Important Note: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any work on your car's electrical system. This prevents accidental shorts and shocks.
Here's the general procedure, but consult your repair manual for the precise location and procedure for your specific Alero's engine. Repair manuals specific to your year and model will have diagrams and detailed instructions. A Haynes or Chilton manual would be ideal.
1. Locate the tensioner: The automatic tensioner is usually a pulley assembly with a hydraulic or spring-loaded mechanism. It's often near the alternator. Your repair manual will show its exact location.
2. Identify the release mechanism: This is crucial. There are several possibilities:
* A tensioner bolt: Some systems use a bolt that, when loosened, allows the tensioner to retract, relieving belt tension.
* A pivot point/arm: Other systems use a lever or arm that can be pushed or pulled to relieve tension. This might involve using a long wrench or a specialized tensioner tool to push/pull on the mechanism.
* Using a tool: Some tensioners require a specific tool to compress them. These tools are often available at auto parts stores.
3. Release the tension: Once you've identified the release mechanism, carefully manipulate it to relieve tension on the belt. You'll likely need to use a wrench, ratchet, or a specialized tool. Do this *slowly* and *carefully*. The spring mechanism can be powerful.
4. Remove the belt: Once the tension is released, the belt should be loose enough to remove it from the alternator pulley. You might need to use your fingers or a small flat-head screwdriver to pry it off.
5. Replace the alternator: After removing the belt, you can now proceed with removing and replacing the alternator according to your repair manual's instructions.
6. Reinstall the belt: Once the new alternator is in place, reverse the process to re-install the belt and restore tension. Make sure the belt is correctly seated on all pulleys. The tensioner should automatically re-engage once the belt is in place.
Again, I strongly recommend consulting a repair manual specific to your 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. This will provide detailed instructions with diagrams showing the exact location and procedure for releasing the tensioner, removing the belt, and replacing the alternator. Attempting this without a proper understanding of your vehicle's specific system can lead to injury or damage.
